PORTSMOUTH, Ohio — Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman announced today that an investigation was initiated following a report received by one of his detectives. The call, made by an adult probation officer, detailed concerning communication between an adult man and a middle school student on social media.
Sheriff Thoroughman confirmed that the detective promptly contacted the juvenile’s parents, leading to a thorough investigation conducted throughout the day to ensure the safety of the minor. The suspect, who had engaged in inappropriate conversations and sent explicit images to the juvenile, had also proposed a meeting at an undisclosed location for sexual purposes.
In collaboration with Scioto County Common Pleas Adult Probation Officers, detectives swiftly responded to the suspect’s residence, resulting in the detention of Sean Allen Freeman, 35, of 3 Rehs Street, Portsmouth. Freeman faces charges including Importuning, Attempted Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor, Disseminating Matter Harmful to a Juvenile, and Probation Violation. Freeman is currently held without bond.
Sheriff Thoroughman emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, leaving the possibility of additional charges at a later date.